Lifetime Warranty on Repairs & Paint Services

Your complete auto body repair center.

FAQ

This page provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about vehicle body repair and collision service. We've also thrown in some of our favorite tips and recommendations. Please call us or consult our "Contact Us" page for answers to your specific questions. We will be happy to assist you!

General

No, It's your choice! Michigan Public Act 190 protects your right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice. Be cautious some insurance agreements with shops are strictly based on price. Also the word tracts given by some insurance carriers may be misleading. Example, may be an insurance company will say they can't guarantee the repairs if you don't use their shop. Most shops offer lifetime warranties anyway. Michigan law requires all warranties must be in writing. Ask to see a copy in advance.

We understand the frustration of being without your own vehicle. We will do our best to minimize the length of time that your vehicle is in the shop. Rest assured our 30 years of expirence will produce the best results possible. Variables in repair processes can be different between repairs so after our inspection we can estimate a completion time frame.

Our staff can assist you in arranging a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. Ask for details. Also, check with your insurance company to see if your policy has rental and what the limits might be.

Before you choose a collision shop, make sure that you fully understand their warranty/guarantee policy. Each shop is a little different but most offer some type of guarantee for their workmanship. They should provide this information in writing. If there is a problem return to the repair shop to have the problem checked out first. If the shop can't or doesn't help you, then you might want to get your insurance company back involved, lastly you may contact The Bureau of Automotive Regulation at 1-800-292-4204.

The deductible is the portion of repair costs that are paid by the vehicle owner before insurance company starts to pay. Your deductible is spelled out in your insurance policy. Selecting a higher or lower deductible affects the price of your insurance.

You have the choice of whether OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts or aftermarket (parts made by a company other than the original manufacturer). However, depending upon your insurance policy provisions, you could be required to pay the difference out of pocket if you insist on OEM and your policy requires use of aftermarket parts. It is wise to know your coverage before a claim happens. Check with the repair shop for their professional opion on the part choices and other options.

Each vehicle has a manufacturer's paint code that identifies the specific color applied in the factory. Proper paint-matching requires precision and patience since there are often slight variations that happened in the original production. The better shops today have mixing systems and a highly qualified paint-tech to tailor colors or use a blend process to acheive the perfict paint match.

Sometimes this can be caused by differences in the materials or labor rates, but most often a quote difference will be skipped or missed items in the repair process. Part choices can effect the price as well as quality of the paint supplies. If you have questions about a quote that you received from our collision shop or any other repair shop we can help you decipher it. Make sure you understand what included with the written estimate before you commit to any shop.

Choosing a Shop

Like any industry, the quality of auto body work can vary dramatically. Some things to start with are the the basics. Look for a clean, organized shop with friendly staff. Qualified, trained technicians with State,ASE and I-Car certifications are often an indication of a good auto body shop. Ask around, friends, family, and neighbors about the shop's reputation. Ask the shop for references. You should feel comfortable at first impression.

No you don't! You can have the repair done at a shop of your choice, however remember there is an inspection at the end of the lease. Make sure the repairs meet or exeed the manufactures specifications. Don't get caught in the trap of paying for a lesser grade of repair and then get billed back at turn in time. Sometimes cheaper may not have been less expensive!